Abstract: Objective To explore the function of Survivin in levonorgestrel(LNG)-induced apoptosis in cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells (UtLMC) in vitro. Methods AO/EB double staining was applied to discriminate the apoptotic cells from dead ones. The changes of Survivin mRNA expressions in UtLMC after LNG treatment were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Furthermore, western blot was used to determine Survivin protein expression in LNG-induced UtLMC apoptosis. Results The result of AO/EB double staining showed that there were more viable apoptotic cells in LNG- treated groups than control group and the number of non-viable apoptotic cells and dead cells increased while the concentration of LNG elevated. Survivin expression in LNG-treated cells was decreased both at mRNA and protein levels according to RT-PCR and Western blot results. Conclusion Levonorgestrel treatment could induce a substantial apoptotic response in UtLMC, which was enhanced with the raise of levonorgestrel concentration. It may be due to the marked down-regulation of Survivin gene expression.

Key words: Levonorgestrel, Uterine Leiomyoma, Cell Apoptosis, Survivin